Christmas 2025 retail insight: why cardboard cutouts became must-have gifts
Christmas 2025 marked a noticeable shift in UK gifting habits. Cardboard cutouts, once treated as novelty extras, moved firmly into the spotlight as centrepiece gifts across homes, pubs, offices, venues and live events. According to Star Cutouts sales data, shoppers were increasingly drawn to products that delivered instant visual impact and memorable reactions rather than traditional small presents.
Nostalgia drove buying decisions
Familiar characters performed strongest, particularly those with long-standing emotional connections. Bilbo Baggins, portrayed by Martin Freeman, was among the most popular choices. One interesting fact behind his appeal is that Freeman based parts of Bilbo’s personality on ordinary, everyday British mannerisms, helping audiences see themselves in the character even within a fantasy world.
Doctor Who also dominated Christmas purchasing. Multiple cutouts featuring David Tennant ranked highly, helped by his rare distinction of portraying more than one incarnation of the Doctor. This dual legacy has made his versions especially collectible, particularly among long-term fans.
Festive film favourites continued to prove their staying power. Buddy the Elf remained one of the most consistent Christmas sellers, despite the film being over two decades old. The character’s optimism and childlike enthusiasm continue to outperform newer festive releases, showing how deeply nostalgia influences seasonal spending.
Icons never go out of style
Music and film legends also featured heavily. Elvis Presley cutouts, spanning several iconic eras, were among the most purchased items. Elvis remains one of the most commercially licensed artists in history, which explains why his image continues to resonate across generations. Marilyn Monroe’s cocktail dress cutout similarly appealed to buyers seeking timeless glamour rather than trend-led décor.
Royal-themed humour found its audience too, with cutouts of Charles and Camilla performing well as tongue-in-cheek gifts and display pieces, particularly in pubs and community venues.
Big impact mattered more than subtlety
Shoppers also gravitated towards spectacle. Dinosaur cutouts such as Tyrannosaurus Rex and Indominus Rex were popular for both family homes and events, while WWE stars like Rhea Ripley and John Cena appealed strongly to modern fandoms. Classic British comedy played its part too, with Only Fools and Horses cutouts proving that shared cultural memory remains a powerful commercial driver.
Experience over decoration
What linked all of these purchases was experience. Customers weren’t simply buying decorations; they were buying reactions, photos, shared laughs and moments that extended well beyond Christmas Day. Cardboard cutouts offered instant presence with minimal effort, making them ideal for both gifting and live displays.
As retailers and businesses reflect on Christmas 2025, one lesson stands out clearly: products that combine familiarity, personality and visual wow factor are outperforming traditional novelty gifts. In a season driven by connection and celebration, cardboard cutouts delivered something increasingly valuable — memorable experiences people genuinely wanted to share.